Don’t forget to register for Edinburgh InterFaith Association’s ‘Together For Our Planet‘, event On Wednesday 11th May – 7:30pm.
Following the wonderful Together for our Planet concert last November, what can we do to offer a faith perspective to Edinburgh Community Climate Forum?
Your opportunity to contribute as individuals and communities.
Keynote from Alastair McIntosh, Fellow of the Centre for Human Ecology and author of Riders on the Storm – The Climate Crisis and the Survival of Being
Chaired by David Somervell, Trustee of Our Future Edinburgh – partner with EVOC in Edinburgh’s Community Climate Forum
Wednesday 11th May – 7:30pm In person and livestreamed
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) continues to support blind and partially sighted people in Scotland with a range of wellbeing services during Mental Health Awareness Week, which starts today [May 9th].
Since Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted, the charity’s counselling team has experienced an increasing number of calls for emotional support. Referrals to its Mental Wellbeing Check-ins are also continuing to rise and the surge is expected to continue throughout the year.
These provide support within 72 hours of contacting RNIB with an hour-long call with a counsellor, allowing people a space to share their feelings, and explore coping strategies and any other support needs.
Mental Health Awareness Week is organised by the Mental Health Foundation and RNIB is highlighting numerous resources and services available for the estimated 178,000 people living with sight loss in Scotland.
RNIB’s Sight Loss Advice Service also provides practical and emotional support to help reduce isolation and loneliness for blind and partially sighted people; services include peer-to-peer support such as Talk and Support, Living Well with Sight Loss courses and community Facebook groups.
These initiatives are made possible thanks to funding raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Funds raised will also be used to develop further projects to bring people together.
Amanda Hawkins, Strategic Lead for Counselling and Mental Health at RNIB, said: “Although lockdown restrictions have been eased for a while, we’re all still adjusting to the new way of living and it’s crucial we continue to look after our mental health in the process.
“Whether you’re experiencing feelings of isolation, interested in a listening ear, or seeking some advice, our sight loss advice line is here to support you. The mental health hub on our website also has several downloadable guides to help with loneliness, sleep difficulties, mindfulness and much more.”
If you or someone you know could benefit from speaking to someone, or for tips on how to maintain your mental health, please visit rnib.org.uk/advice/sight-loss-and-wellbeing or call our Sight Loss Advice Service on 0303 123 9999.
“I was HOOKED after the third page! Literally even text my better half to say I wasn’t going to be able to put it down!” Review MorellisReads
In 1971, Nan Douglas and her toddler twins arrived on the remote island of Inniscuiilin, the long-lost family of the eccentric Miss Campbell.
For fifteen years, they all live quietly up at the Big House until the twins start planning their future – forcing Nan to confront their past.Because someone somewhere believes that the twins aren’t twins.
That they’re not even Nan’s children. And that Nan isn’t Nan.Only Nan herself can prove them wrong – but it’s a gamble. Win or lose, she’s still at risk of losing her beloved family …
Gill Merton is the collective pen name for five local writers, based at Gilmerton Community Centre on Drum Street in Edinburgh.
Please come along to hear readings from the novel and hear what it has been like to write collaboratively … copies of the book witll be available by donation, all proceeds to Ukraine.
Publication generously funded by the National Lottery Awards For All.
Mental Health Awareness Week – highlighting our #NorthEdinburgh Community Listening training offer for local people and volunteers, find out more about the power of listening and its connection to mental health and wellbeing.
SCVO are pleased to announce this year’s Scottish Charity Awards finalists. The shortlist includes 44 inspirational individuals and organisations from voluntary sector organisations across the country. Our judging panel will determine the winners across our nine categories.
Members of the public can have their say by voting for their favourite overall entry in the People’s Choice Award sponsored by WorkFlo Solutions, voting closes at 5pm on Friday 20 May. You only have ONE vote, so choose your favourite carefully!
If you would like to find out the winners of all our Awards categories, you can now book to attend our glittering awards ceremony which will be held on Wednesday 15 June!
NHS 24 is marking its 20th Anniversary this May with the opening of a new centre in Hillington, Glasgow for more staff to meet the needs of people across Scotland.
Opening the new contact centre on behalf of NHS 24, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “NHS 24 has been a critical part of our NHS in Scotland for many years and it is fantastic to see the way the service continues to develop and adapt to the changing needs of the population.
“From the expanded 111 service available 24 hours a day seven days a week, to a key role in responding to the outbreak of COVID-19 and now dedicated mental health support through the NHS 24 Mental Health Hub and Breathing Space, it has become an indispensable part of our health service.
“The committed and professional staff providing these services work tirelessly day in and day out to make sure that the public always have access to the right information and support as quickly and as easily as possible. It is a pleasure to open the new Hillington centre and to be given the opportunity to put on record my thanks to everyone who has played a part in NHS 24’s journey over the past 20 years.”
NHS 24 took its first call at 14.10 in the afternoon of the 8th May 2002 at its Riverside Contact Centre in Aberdeen. The 27 millionth call to the service was made at 06.51 on Saturday 26th March 2022, also to the North contact centre.
Originally set up as a pilot project to support patients in Grampian, the telephone service quickly expanded and by 2004 was serving the whole of Scotland. NHS 24 now provides a range of services in addition to the core telephone triage which was changed to 111 in 2014.
NHS 24’s Chief Executive, Jim Miller, says the 20th Anniversary marks a significant moment in the organisations history: “As we slowly emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, NHS 24 is taking the opportunity to look at its services, technology and workforce to ensure we continue to meet the needs of people across Scotland.
“The progress we have made in the past two decades is really impressive and we are determined to continue to work collaboratively with colleagues from NHS Lothian and across the health and social care system to make sure people get the right care in the right place.”
Young people struggling to access employment will be supported by an additional £4 million through the Young Person’s Guarantee.
The funding will help young people impacted most by the pandemic, including those who are care-experienced and those experiencing mental health issues.
Three programmes will share the £4 million, which will connect people with employers, training and volunteering opportunities.
Minister for Youth Employment and Training Jamie Hepburn said: “We want all of our young people to succeed, no matter their background or circumstances. Our aim is to ensure those seeking work have access to valuable support and opportunities for years to come.
“We know that many young people may face additional barriers to successfully gaining permanent work and the uncertainty caused by the pandemic combined with the cost of living crisis has made this more challenging. By connecting young people seeking work directly with employers we can offer them potentially life changing opportunities.
“This additional support is on top of £15 million already allocated to local authorities through the Young Person’s Guarantee for the current year and will build on our strong record of tackling youth unemployment.”
Thousands of tulips line the Vennel Steps in the heart of Edinburgh’s old town thanking the public for supporting charitable causes.
For the fourth year running, Benefact Group is giving away over £1million to charities with the return of its Movement for Good Awards.
To mark the occasion, thousands of brightly coloured tulips have appeared in the city centre. The garden of gratitude features 1,500 bunches of flowers representing a ‘thank you’ on behalf of the 1,500 charities that have already benefited from the awards to the members of the public who voted for them.
From today, people are once again invited to nominate a cause close to their hearts for a potential £1,000 award to help make a difference.
This year, another 500 charities around the UK will each receive £1,000 during the campaign.
It’s quick and easy to nominate, you can vote for your favourite charity online at: www.movementforgood.com
Each of the 4,500 wooden tulips have been individually hand-made in the UK, featuring hand-written thank you notes.
Mark Hews, Group Chief Executive of Benefact Group, says: “We’re delighted to announce the launch of Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards for the fourth year running.
“We hope that our Garden of Gratitude reminds people that their nominations really do make a difference. Thanking those who have chosen good causes they love, as well as celebrating the 1,500 charity beneficiaries over the last three years is, we think, a fitting way to start this year’s awards.
“Benefact Group, formerly named Ecclesiastical Insurance Group, is the fourth largest corporate donor in the UK and is keen to give even more. Owned by a charity, all of its available profits go to good causes, and the more the group grows, the more the group can give. As a company whose purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society, charitable giving is at the heart of what we do.”
Since the initiative began in 2019, more than 210,000 people across the UK have nominated causes they care about, leading to more than 13,000 charities receiving votes.
Anyone can nominate a registered charity at any time for the chance to receive £1,000. The first 250 winners will be announced in June, a further 250 winners will be announced in September.
Winners will be drawn at random and the more times a charity is nominated the more chance it has of being selected.
A further 120 £1,000 grants will be given away in December and £500,000 will also be given in larger grants later this year. For more information about the awards visit www.movementforgood.com
Movement for Good is funded by EIO plc, part of the Benefact Group.
Yesterday (Sunday 8 May), Greenpeace Edinburgh volunteers spoke to members of the public on Portobello Promenade about The Big Plastic Count.
Throughout April and May Greenpeace Edinburgh, along with local Greenpeace groups up and down the country, have been talking to the public about the nationwide survey on plastic wastage.
Volunteers showed passers-by a photo of the six months’ worth of plastic used by Everyday Plastic founder Daniel Webb (below), and asked them to guess how many people’s plastic this was. Answers ranged from one household to 100 people but only a few people guessed correctly that it was just one individual’s plastic waste!
The Big Plastic Count, a collaboration between Greenpeace and Everyday Plastic, is taking place between 16th – 22nd May.
It will uncover the truth about how much household plastic we throw away, and how much is really recycled. Individuals, households, schools, community groups and businesses across the UK will count their plastic packaging waste, record the different types they throw away and submit their results online.
The campaign is supported by actor Bonnie Wright, as well as naturalist and television presenter, Chris Packham.
Zoë, a volunteer from Newington, said: “We’re all doing our bit to recycle, but plastic waste is still everywhere. It’s so sad to see it polluting the environment in beautiful areas such as Portobello Beach.
“That’s why I’m counting my plastic for one week between 16th – 22nd May, and submitting this data to get my personal plastic footprint, to find out what really happens to our plastic waste.
“More than 140,000 people from across the UK including more than 650 households in Edinburgh have signed up to participate. Sign up to take part too at https://thebigplasticcount.com“
The data each participant generates will contribute to an overall national picture, filling a crucial evidence gap on exactly how much plastic packaging waste is leaving UK homes.
The results will demonstrate the scale of the plastic waste problem and pressure the government and supermarkets to tackle the root cause of the plastic crisis.
The launch of The Big Plastic Count comes as new polling from YouGov, commissioned by Greenpeace UK, shows that more than four in five people (81%) want the UK Government to introduce targets to reduce plastic waste.
Across Scotland, support is also very high, with 82% supporting targets.
The YouGov survey also shows how almost four in five (77%) people in the UK recycle plastic products in order to reduce plastic waste. However, three in four (75%) don’t know what happens to their plastic recycling after disposing of it.
The UK produces more plastic waste per person than almost any other country in the world – second only to the USA [2]. In 2018, the UK generated 5.2 million tonnes, enough to fill Wembley Stadium six times over.
Joan from Marchmont said: “‘I was amazed that one person used so much plastic in 6 months. I put the plastic I use in the recycling bin, so I’m disappointed to hear that lots of that plastic might not actually be recycled, but is in fact often incinerated, sent to landfill, or dumped abroad.
“It’s up to the Government and big supermarkets to cut plastic packaging, and to properly deal with our waste.”
This year, the government is starting to decide on legal targets to reduce plastic waste. Greenpeace Edinburgh is calling on the Government to set a target to reduce single-use plastic by 50% by 2025, to introduce a Deposit Return Scheme for plastic re-use and recycling, and ban the dumping of our waste onto other countries.
Former Jewish-German child refugee Henry Wuga MBE, who came to Glasgow with the Kindertransport, returned to Central Station on Friday to launch a new learning programme with high school pupils.
Mr Wuga, 98, joined Poppyscotland and Gathering the Voices to help launch new lessons for Scottish schools, based on his story and that of other young refugees during the Second World War.
Pupils will also be encouraged to reflect these incredible stories and on the issues facing more recent child refugees, including millions of Ukrainians fleeing their war-torn country today.
Aged just 15, Mr Wuga escaped the horrors of Nazi Germany in 1939, leaving his parents behind in Nuremberg. He went on to make Scotland his home, marrying Ingrid, who also escaped via the Kindertransport, and managing his own catering business.
Mr Wuga met 10 S2 pupils from Shawlands Academy under the clock at Central Station, where he first arrived in Scotland. That was followed by a discussion between Henry and the students about his experiences, the Holocaust, and modern child refugees to Scotland.
The school has piloted Poppyscotland’s 10 lesson activity pack, written by Alison McFarlane, a History and Modern Studies teacher from Oban High School. The engaging and factual content focuses on the video testimonies of three Kindertransport escapees and Holocaust survivors, Mr Wuga, Rosa Sacharin and Karola Regent.
The new suite of resources will further enhance Poppyscotland’s vast Learning programme and are designed to help pupils understand the plight of Jewish people under the Nazi regime and the experiences of young refugees then and now.
Mr Wuga chatted to the pupils about their thoughts on the lessons and answered some thought-provoking questions.
The only son of successful caterers, Mr Wuga enjoyed a happy childhood before the Nazis took power. Then, he witnessed growing anti-Semitism, from bullying at school to the horrors of Kristallnacht in 1938, when Jewish homes, businesses and synagogues were attacked.
As tensions increased, his mother secured him a place on the Kindertransport, an international humanitarian programme that brought around 10,000 children to Britain in the months leading up to the outbreak of war. After arriving in Glasgow, he went on to attend school and work on a farm in Perthshire before being wrongly accused of espionage after writing letters to his parents in Germany
His name was cleared, and after the war ended, he returned to Glasgow, where he took a job as a chef. Sadly, his father died of a heart attack during an air raid in 1941, but he was able to bring his mother, who had survived the war thanks to the help of a Catholic neighbour, to Scotland. His wife, Ingrid, also lost many close relatives and friends during the Holocaust.
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Mr Wuga said: “It was very interesting meeting the pupils and answering their questions. I think it’s so important to share my story with a new generation while I can.
“When I first arrived here 83 years ago it was a shock – I didn’t speak the language well, the food and customs were new. But Glasgow was very welcoming and I made it my home.”
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Gordon Michie, Poppyscotland’s Head of Fundraising and Learning, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Mr Wuga for supporting us and sharing his harrowing story with a new generation of Scottish children.
“His first-hand testimony is an important addition to our learning programme and will encourage young young people to reflect on issues that are all too relevant today.
“Sadly, millions of children throughout the world continue to be uprooted from their homes, escaping war, persecution, and poverty. We hope this will promote a wider understanding of refugees’ experiences, then and now, the challenges they face when arriving in Scotland.”
The Gathering the Voices Association is a project to record audio and video testimonies from Holocaust refugees who have a connection to Scotland, and educate current and future generations about their resilience.
It is made up of three ‘second generation’ refugees and their partners, who have collected more than 50 interviews which are freely at www.gatheringthevoices.com.
Dr Angela Shapiro, from the Gathering the Voices Association said: “We hope that by focusing on the stories of Mr Wuga and other young refugees, this will help bring the lessons to life.
“Young people can learn about the Holocaust and the resilience of the refugees who escaped from Nazi-occupied Europe, and the lessons we can all learn from those who lived through it.”
